FAQ for DGA

Frequently Asked Questions for Drogheda Grinds Academy

Listed below are some of the questions that we get asked by parents looking for grinds options so this may help with any queries you have. We are more than happy to talk your through our grinds service which is now in it’s 8th year and has an excellent reputation.

 

Question – Are you grinds classes online or in person?

All our classes are in person classes. There are approximately 12 to 14 students per class. We will have an online option shortly for students that can’t travel or would prefer online. Please email us if you would like to discuss this on droghedagrindsacdemy@gmail.com

 

We have a partnership with The Learning Academy to provide online grinds for students that can’t make in class options or if the times don’t suit. You can click here to register for online classes through The Learning Academy.

 

Question – What is the process for booking in grinds?

We start booking in grinds for September 2022 generally from the previous May and some classes book up early. If you go to www.droghedagrindsacademy.com/book you can send in your queries or booking for there and we will come back to you within 48 hours during the summer or 24 hours during term time.

 

Please note that just because a booking form is completed it doesn’t mean we have available spaces. As we keep our class size small, our classes book very quickly.

 

Question – How do I know when and where the classes are?

Our main classrooms are in Bryanstown at this location (A92 HHT2) This is also where our main office is located. Our other classroom is in Academy Books Southgate (A92 TR84)

 

Question – where can I find a list of weekly grinds classes?

A full list of the weekly grinds classes can be found HERE 

 

Question – Do I have to pay a deposit?

In order to secure a place you must pay a deposit of 50 euro on all classes. This is non refundable and comes off the price of the class. If you cancel it’s non refundable. However if you wish to hold it as credit we will hold it for two years during which time you can put it against any classes for you. Your place is only confirmed when the deposit is paid otherwise you could lose your place to someone on the waiting list. 

 

Question – What happens once I confirm the place?

When you confirm the place we will send you an invoice with all the details and times on it. We will then text you a reminder 24 hours before your class is due to start. All our bookings and payments are done through an accounting software package so we have a history of all your bookings and any notes that we need to make and retain.

 

Question – What data do you retain?

We keep a record in our accounting software of your invoices and payments. We don’t keep any credit card payment details. You will be sent an invoice for each class with a receipt. Your mobile number is used for push out classes or reminders and we use CreateTxt to store your mobile number.

 

Question – When I pay by card over the phone how do you process my card?

We process your card using a secure virtual AIB merchant service so we don’t retain any credit card details. Your card statement will say either Drogheda Grinds or Academy Books depending where you have booked through.

 

Question – How do I pay my deposit?

You can pay by calling us in the Drogheda Grinds Academy office on 0419844696 or through Academy Books Southgate on 0419818381.

 

Question – Do you do trial classes?

We have been operating for over seven years now and we stand by our service. We don’t offer trial classes as most of our classes book out well in advance each year.

 

Question – What if I am late for class?

Please try to be 5 minutes early for each class so as not to disturb the class when you arrive. If you are continually late we will issue you with a warning and you may get refused entry. If there is an issue with times then please discuss with the office for alternative times that might suit better?

 

Question – What do I bring to my first class?

The first class you will be given a folder with poly pockets and a refill paid. All you need to bring is a pen and a calculator where required. Your teacher will have your notes for you and there are poly pockets for each week to ensure your notes are kept in order and safe. Please arrive 5 minutes before the class starts so we can sign you into class. Parents please don’t arrive at reception with students. They can come up and present themselves to reception and we will look after them. There are too many students arriving for class to accommodate parents also.

 

Question – What if my child is very anxious about attending?

If your child is anxious about attending please let the office know and we will arrange for them to come in sometime before the class to meet with the team and discuss what the process is and show them their classroom and put them at ease. They can ask any questions at this stage. We are there to look after our students and make them feel comfortable and safe. 

 

Question – What if a student feels unwell during class?

If a student feels unwell during the class they should leave class and let the reception team of Tanya or Irene know. We can provide bottles of water / hot tea and chocolate and stay with them and arrange to call for a pick up if they would prefer to go home if they can’t continue in class. We have basic medical training so any student that has allergies should let us know in advance and any requirements that are needed ie Epi Pen use etc. We have free sanitary products in the toilets. Health and safety is paramount along with students’ mental health and wellbeing at Drogheda Grinds Academy.

 

Question – What if I miss my class?

If you miss a class then we will arrange to get you the notes the following week or by email to you. You don’t get to make up the class as we don’t have that option.

 

Question – Can I go into DGA with my child? 

While we understand that students may be a bit nervous, we ask that only students, teachers and staff enter the DGA offices during class time.

 

Question – What happens if I am late to collect my child?

Please note all staff will have left the premises by 9pm at the latest. Please ensure your child is collected before this time as it gets dark on winter nights and we can’t be responsible for students once they have left the building.

 

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. We have air filtration units and Carbon monoxide monitors in each classroom which are well ventilated. If you have any questions please contact the office on 0419844696 

Please note that the office is open from 2pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. In between this time you can leave a message on the phone or email droghedagrindsacademy@gmail.com